Land Use Codes

A land use code is a planning implementation tool. The land use code can include zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, annexation policy, oil and gas regulations, impact fees, public hearing processes, fence and sign permitting, and more. For example, a land use code may prescribe how tall a single-family home can be, the density of a planned community, the minimum parking requirements for a retail complex, or the allowed uses within a commercial building.

Model Land Use Codes

The Community Development Office has helped fund the development of several model codes and ordinances over the years through its Colorado Heritage Planning Grant program. The Model Land Use Codes are not intended to prescribe local land use planning efforts but rather reduce the time spent researching in order to allow local governments to spend more time tailoring your codes to meet your community's vision, goals, and objectives.

There are two model land use codes, one for municipalities (2002) and one for counties (2008). They are both likely most useful for Colorado's smaller to medium-sized communities. These models are intended to be used as a template rather than an "adopt as-is" code. The model codes are most effective when communities calibrate the template to consider the local perspective and unique issues concerning their physical, social, and economic circumstances. We hope these models result in significant time and cost savings for your community.

The Model Land Use Codes are available for free download below. If you prefer, we will send you a compact disc with both Word(doc) and Adobe(pdf) format. The CDs are free for Colorado counties and municipalities, and $25.00 for others. Please contact Anne Miller if you have any questions or to request a CD.

Disclaimer: This model code is intended for use as a template to guide the preparation of land use regulations for Colorado counties. The code meets statutory requirements and has been drafted to be consistent with current land use law at the time of writing. Local governments should consult with their attorney before adopting any provisions of these codes.

Taken from interactive CD. Please request a copy of the CD from Tareq Wafaie in order to take full advantage of the how-to guide.

Disclaimer: This model code is intended for use as a template to guide the preparation of land use regulations for Colorado municipalities. The code meets statutory requirements and has been drafted to be consistent with current land use law at the time of writing. Local governments should consult with their attorney before adopting any provisions of these codes.